Caring for leather upholstery

[Wolfgang]

As the article that Stuwey linked to states (yes it is biased, but that's marketing) different types of leather need different care.

As I posted earlier, there is differing opinions on whether modern leather needs to be conditioned or if it's just marketing (no offense to CCP, not my opinion). The whole thing isn't helped by all the varying grades and finishes used by different car makers.

Best bet is to speak to someone like CCP on the best products to care for the type of leather you have. You may find you need to condition one type and not the other. Keep in mind, some parts of your upholstery may not be real leather, I know with my Golf the back of the front seats are leatherette, even (vaguely) states it in the owners manual.

[Stuwey]

Yes, most 'new' cars have leather faces, with vinyl borders etc. They call it a 'leather appointed' interior.

As we say at work, just use something. Each and every brand of conditioner bags the others, but use what works for you. The Bowdens article does have some good points though. We sell the Mothers range at work, but only because it's easy for us.

Up to you, just do something!

[mikinoz]

I had some really filthy leather in our multivan as it used to be owned by a civil company. Now say what you will buy the only way to clean the dirt was by using Gumption, then washing it with clear water then finally just before all the moisture has gone leather conditioner.

It's not what the cleaning gurus recommend but worked for me. Just like boiled linseed on the bumpers that have faded to white which I've also rejuvenated.

Not everything needs an expensive auto specific solution.

[carcareproducts]

I had some really filthy leather in our multivan as it used to be owned by a civil company. Now say what you will buy the only way to clean the dirt was by using Gumption, then washing it with clear water then finally just before all the moisture has gone leather conditioner.

It's not what the cleaning gurus recommend but worked for me. Just like boiled linseed on the bumpers that have faded to white which I've also rejuvenated.

Not everything needs an expensive auto specific solution.

Very true!

But also sometimes specific products are their for a reason. They are a combination of chemicals/solvents/resins etc (in all types not leather specific here) that aren't easily accessible by the public and also have R&D gone into the product to ensure it is suited to the need and application. Doesn't mean its always suited to you the user if you do not know if its the right now it can be completely useless of course as well.

Duragloss Leather will be fine on coated leathers and nappa (true leather, but not hide) for example as well. Ideally you want to seal either or both should i say with a good sealant to ensure it doesn't absorb dirt, clothing dye transfer and discolour from UV rays as well etc etc. (Nanolex Leather & Textile is good for that, especially alcantara style trim as well).

If you don't look after your coated leather, or true leather or hide leather it will still start to crack and wear/tear eventually.

Myself, i look after my leather and have always and always feels and looks as good as new. For those who don't well that is the choice you take but isn't advised if you like to keep the car long term and want the trim/seats feeling as new as long as you possibly can

[ZA Polo GTI]

So to clarify : for the leather/alacantra seats that come on the new polo GTI's you would recommend - nanolex leather? Is that just for the leather or the alacantra sections as well?

[FSI 220]

Thanks... will have to go shopping once the christmas debts have passed (and donate the connoly hide care to the inlaws saddles!)

Oh, and punch on some more gents ... Im learning from it... a little debate never hurt anyone

And what about the wheel? And....

(Ok , refrain from polishing knob jokes, backspace, more backspace)

What about control surfacess in general, same stuff yes?

[fuzion]

fsi220..

for normal interior stuff i use 303 aerospace protectant.. leaves a nice factory satin/matte finish on it!

[frozze]

Just bought a 2nd hand MkVI multifunction GTI steering wheel and it's got ciggy smell from the previous owner/driver! Wanna give it a good clean and get rid of the smell.

Pardon the stupid question, but is the steering wheel made out of leather?
Is this appropriate/overkill for my situation?
Car Care Products / Duragloss / Interior / Leather & Vinyl / Professional Leather System

[fuzion]

Just bought a 2nd hand MkVI multifunction GTI steering wheel and it's got ciggy smell from the previous owner/driver! Wanna give it a good clean and get rid of the smell.

Pardon the stupid question, but is the steering wheel made out of leather?
Is this appropriate/overkill for my situation?
Car Care Products / Duragloss / Interior / Leather & Vinyl / Professional Leather System

Is the whole car leather?

I use the same thing in the S3 and also in the Passat. But to remove the Cigi smell its a hard one to be honest. It embeds itself into the leather and fabrics! Duragloss will give a lot of leather scent back but how much you will get out is based on how bad it smells.

[frozze]

Is the whole car leather?

I use the same thing in the S3 and also in the Passat. But to remove the Cigi smell its a hard one to be honest. It embeds itself into the leather and fabrics! Duragloss will give a lot of leather scent back but how much you will get out is based on how bad it smells.

Yes, I've got leather seats.

The embedded smell is what I'm afraid of most! It's not that bad.. but it bothers me because I'm really sensitive to smoke --> gives me a headache after a couple of minutes!

Would you recommend the Duragloss product in general?

[fuzion]

i would.. prefer it most definitely.

if this fails i would go leatherique and rejuvenate the leather